On Monday evening, September 15th at 7:00 P.M. the RFD was dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Meinake Muffler Auto Repair on Rt. 17 north. First arriving units were met with heavy fire conditions located on the outside rear wall of the second floor, A second alarm was transmitted bringing additional units from Ramsey along with Rescue, EMS, FAST from Mahwah and Ho-Ho-Kus, an engine from Allendale and Mahwah along with a Tower from Wyckoff. First due engine company advanced a 1-3/4" line through the front door and advanced to the second floor. Firefighters were met with fire conditions spreading to the ceiling area and around the rear door. Initial fire was knocked down and they advanced out to the roof area on the second floor. A second 1-3/4" line was advanced to back up the first line and a third 1-3/4" was used off of the platform from Tower 442. Firefighting was hampered by live electrical service as well as wiring and conduit from a cell tower located on the structure. Because of live electrical equipment involved in fire, it was decided to use dry chemical to extinguish the bulk of the fire until electric could be disconnected. The fire was quickly extinguished after electric was turned off. A third alarm was transmitted for coverage in the firehouses bringing an engine from Upper Saddle River and Franklin Lakes and a Tower from Waldwick. A third FAST was requested from Fair Lawn as the first FAST from Mahwah was put to work in the early stages of the fire. The fire was contained to the exterior walls in the rear and side of the second floor will damage to the cell tower equipment and electrical service connections. Some additional damage was found due to the spread of fire into the second floor office area, Further damage was averted by the first due companies. One firefighter was taken to Valley Hospital with an arm injury. No other injuries were reported. The fire was brought under control within an hour. The cause is yet undetermined and is under investigation. Thanks to the help and support of the Mutual Aid and all Ramsey units who helped on scene, the fire was quickly extinguished minimizing more damage. Good job to all!!

Heavy fire Showing on Arrival of Tower 442

View from Command Vehicle on arrival

Tower 442 bucket on left, Tower 441 bucket in center at rear and Wyckoff Tower 241 setting up in front. Handlines making progress